Daniil Medvedev failed to win an ATP title for the first time in seven years in 2024.
It wasn’t the best of years for the 28-year-old on the ATP Tour, but another that saw him remain in the world’s top ten.
The Russian’s year got off to a flying start in Melbourne, as Medvedev reached the Australian Open final, eventually losing out to Jannik Sinner in five sets.
The good form looked to be continuing as Medvedev reached the final at Indian Wells soon after, falling to Carlos Alcaraz.
Medvedev struggled in the second part of the season however, as he failed to reach another final for the remainder of 2024.
He had hoped to end his 2024 season with a title at the ATP Finals, but despite Medvedev’s win over Alex de Minaur, he was knocked out in the group stages.
A tough end to a disappointing season for the 28-year-old, and his former coach doesn’t seem too positive about the Russian’s future.
Daniil Medvedev’s ex-coach on the unsolvable problem that stops him from beating Jannik Sinner
Speaking to Championat, Medvedev’s former coach Ivan Pridankin summed up a somewhat underwhelming season for the Russian.
“The season was not productive in terms of titles,” he said.
“But Daniil [Medvedev] won a lot of ATP points, even without winning he played well in many important tournaments and finished the year in the top five.”
Pridankin believes that Medvedev has a real problem that could see him struggle in 2025.
“If you look at those he lost against, it becomes clear, it is difficult for him to play against the top players,” he said.
“He approaches matches well that he has to win with a lot of confidence, but it was difficult for him with the leaders of the ranking.
“This is understandable and I think that next season will not be easier. Maybe even more difficult because he has problems at the level of the game that I, as a coach, would not really know how to solve.
“How to compete with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz?
“It will also be difficult to compete with [Alexander] Zverev, and I do not see how this can be solved at the moment.”
Medvedev’s coach continued on to outline a realistic target that the Russian should be looking at.
“His team is probably looking for ways to evolve,” said Pridankin.
“Staying at the level of fourth to tenth place is the most likely development.”
Daniil Medvedev’s ‘difficult’ record against top ten ATP players in 2024
As his former coach explained, Medvedev had a tough time against the very best in men’s tennis this year.
Highlighted by a disappointing showing at the ATP Finals, the Russian struggled to compete against the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz throughout the year.
| Result | Opponent | Opponent’s rank | Tournament |
| Win | Hubert Hurkacz | 9 | Australian Open – QF |
| Win | Alexander Zverev | 6 | Australian Open – SF |
| Loss | Jannik Sinner | 4 | Australian Open – F |
| Win | Holger Rune | 7 | Indian Wells – QF |
| Loss | Carlos Alcaraz | 2 | Indian Wells – F |
| Loss | Jannik Sinner | 3 | Miami Open – SF |
| Win | Grigor Dimitrov | 10 | Wimbledon – 4R |
| Win | Jannik Sinner | 1 | Wimbledon – QF |
| Loss | Carlos Alcaraz | 3 | Wimbledon – SF |
| Loss | Jannik Sinner | 1 | US Open – QF |
| Loss | Carlos Alcaraz | 3 | China Open – SF |
| Loss | Jannik Sinner | 1 | Shanghai Masters – QF |
| Loss | Taylor Fritz | 5 | ATP Finals – RR |
| Win | Alex de Minaur | 9 | ATP Finals – RR |
| Loss | Jannik Sinner | 1 | ATP Finals – RR |
Medvedev trailed 6-9 against top ten opponents in 2024, however what may be more worrying is that he has now only one won of his last seven.
His record against the very best is far more concerning, with Medvedev only winning one of his ten matches against the top five this year.
If he wants to get back to the top of men’s tennis, he will need to start beating the best on tour as soon as possible.
Medvedev is expected to return to court at the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.
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